IN YOUR OPINION

Letters to the Editor for Dec. 12, 2013

Published: Wednesday, December 11, 2013 at 11:35 p.m.

Last Modified: Wednesday, December 11, 2013 at 11:35 p.m.

Public meltdown

Allow me to share a situation that I witnessed at Paddock Mall last week that really upset me.

I was standing at the ice cream parlor waiting to be served when I noticed a family to my left that seemed really tense because the father stood screaming at what appeared the oldest son. The child looked over at me with the most downcast look I have ever seen on a child. The father kept on yelling at the child, and the mother seemed afraid to say anything.

There were three boys and one little girl in the family. All the kids were excited about getting ice cream and were picking out their desired flavor, except the boy who was being screamed at.

The guy serving the ice cream asked if I was next. Pointing to this family to my left, I said no, they were in front of me. So, he began serving them, and all during this time the father was still mouthing off at this poor kid and ended up buying the family ice cream, except this kid, which obviously hurt the kid even more.

I felt so very bad for this kid and really wanted to buy him an ice cream cone. But my better judgment jumped in and the message was NO, better trash the thought for fear of what this ill-bred animal would do or say to me.

It was obvious that he cared nothing for his family’s feelings. I wonder, if he feels comfortable displaying such a scene in public as he did that day, what the atmosphere must be like in their home. In my opinion, this man was full of himself.

Have a blessed Christmas!!

Joyce Rose

Ocala

Stadium’s impact on earth

There are many pros and cons to the Yankees stadium issue. One we haven’t discussed is the environmental impact this project would have. Some things to consider:

1. Removal of trees and wooded areas that provide habitat for multiple species of birds, insects and animals will bring unintended consequences. One example would be raccoons and coyotes relocating to residential or commercial areas nearby. Trees provide cooling shade and decrease carbon dioxide levels in the air.

2. Paving and asphalting of the parking lots, roadways and structure sites prevents rainwater from penetrating the ground and making its way back down to the aquifer that provides water for all of our needs. The rainwater hitting the paved areas will become storm water runoff and, unless treated, will eventually carry toxins into our aquifer. Local taxpayers foot the bill for the cleanup.

3. Landscaping issues: Unless native plants and xeroscaping modalities are employed, the grass and plants would require watering, fertilizing and pesticide applications. This would add nitrogen to the area’s water supply and use large amounts of water. The stadium location lies in a springshed and our already-endangered springs will be negatively affected further.

4. Landfill issues. Best practices could include the following: using paper goods that will easily decompose, a strong commitment to recycling glass, plastic and aluminum. Food waste itself is an issue; uneaten food in our landfill provides sustenance for untold numbers of rodents and other species. Best case scenario: off-load edible but not sellable food to local shelters.

Any development in Ocala/Marion County should provoke this type of thinking. What will the environmental impacts be? What are the consequences of this project on the local plants, animals, springs and the aquifer?

What are the unintended consequences?

Barbara Brandon Schwartz

Ocala

Build it, they may not come

I have noted Star-Banner’s support and op-ed columns against the proposed Yankees baseball stadium. Despite some potential benefits involved, this project isn’t viable.

The track record of these stadiums in smaller towns is poor. They usually don’t produce the revenue needed to support facility over time. Further, they often become havens for young children whose parents use the facility as an alternate baby sitter. You know, drop them off and parents head for nearest bar. Eventually, as the fan base dissipates, it becomes a liability.

My concern is why are the Yankees seeking to leave an established fan base in Tampa, unless the fan base and the economics have disappeared?

Building it on the west side of Ocala may rejuvenate that area, but inadequate bus service would reduce the fan base there, too. Everything boils down to variable economic conditions, which dissipate over time.

The most disturbing aspect of the stadium project is using tax revenue to build it. Again, my observations have shown tax revenue may be needed to support it. This, in a community which has turned down increased revenue for schools, among other things. One would think the ball complex near Forest High School would be more feasible and could be done at less cost.

What should be advocated is updating current facilities, wherever they are, without expending funds to develop new facilities.

It’s up to the Star-Banner staff to completely investigate all aspects of this before the tax referendum. Because, realistically, these facilities and their cost develop a life of their own. Better to finance schools and use updated school facilities with a clubhouse. Like that, the field could be universally used.

If I had to vote today, based upon my experience and observations about other communities, the answer would be no.

I’ve found that if you build it, they may not come, and eventually become a drain on local revenues.

<p><b>Public meltdown</b></p><p>Allow me to share a situation that I witnessed at Paddock Mall last week that really upset me.</p><p>I was standing at the ice cream parlor waiting to be served when I noticed a family to my left that seemed really tense because the father stood screaming at what appeared the oldest son. The child looked over at me with the most downcast look I have ever seen on a child. The father kept on yelling at the child, and the mother seemed afraid to say anything.</p><p>There were three boys and one little girl in the family. All the kids were excited about getting ice cream and were picking out their desired flavor, except the boy who was being screamed at.</p><p>The guy serving the ice cream asked if I was next. Pointing to this family to my left, I said no, they were in front of me. So, he began serving them, and all during this time the father was still mouthing off at this poor kid and ended up buying the family ice cream, except this kid, which obviously hurt the kid even more.</p><p>I felt so very bad for this kid and really wanted to buy him an ice cream cone. But my better judgment jumped in and the message was NO, better trash the thought for fear of what this ill-bred animal would do or say to me. </p><p>It was obvious that he cared nothing for his family's feelings. I wonder, if he feels comfortable displaying such a scene in public as he did that day, what the atmosphere must be like in their home. In my opinion, this man was full of himself.</p><p>Have a blessed Christmas!!</p><p><i>Joyce Rose</p><p>Ocala</i></p><p><b>Stadium's impact on earth</b></p><p>There are many pros and cons to the Yankees stadium issue. One we haven't discussed is the environmental impact this project would have. Some things to consider: </p><p>1. Removal of trees and wooded areas that provide habitat for multiple species of birds, insects and animals will bring unintended consequences. One example would be raccoons and coyotes relocating to residential or commercial areas nearby. Trees provide cooling shade and decrease carbon dioxide levels in the air.</p><p>2. Paving and asphalting of the parking lots, roadways and structure sites prevents rainwater from penetrating the ground and making its way back down to the aquifer that provides water for all of our needs. The rainwater hitting the paved areas will become storm water runoff and, unless treated, will eventually carry toxins into our aquifer. Local taxpayers foot the bill for the cleanup.</p><p>3. Landscaping issues: Unless native plants and xeroscaping modalities are employed, the grass and plants would require watering, fertilizing and pesticide applications. This would add nitrogen to the area's water supply and use large amounts of water. The stadium location lies in a springshed and our already-endangered springs will be negatively affected further.</p><p>4. Landfill issues. Best practices could include the following: using paper goods that will easily decompose, a strong commitment to recycling glass, plastic and aluminum. Food waste itself is an issue; uneaten food in our landfill provides sustenance for untold numbers of rodents and other species. Best case scenario: off-load edible but not sellable food to local shelters.</p><p>Any development in Ocala/Marion County should provoke this type of thinking. What will the environmental impacts be? What are the consequences of this project on the local plants, animals, springs and the aquifer? </p><p>What are the unintended consequences?</p><p><i>Barbara Brandon Schwartz</p><p>Ocala</i></p><p><b>Build it, they may not come</b></p><p>I have noted Star-Banner's support and op-ed columns against the proposed Yankees baseball stadium. Despite some potential benefits involved, this project isn't viable.</p><p>The track record of these stadiums in smaller towns is poor. They usually don't produce the revenue needed to support facility over time. Further, they often become havens for young children whose parents use the facility as an alternate baby sitter. You know, drop them off and parents head for nearest bar. Eventually, as the fan base dissipates, it becomes a liability.</p><p>My concern is why are the Yankees seeking to leave an established fan base in Tampa, unless the fan base and the economics have disappeared? </p><p>Building it on the west side of Ocala may rejuvenate that area, but inadequate bus service would reduce the fan base there, too. Everything boils down to variable economic conditions, which dissipate over time.</p><p>The most disturbing aspect of the stadium project is using tax revenue to build it. Again, my observations have shown tax revenue may be needed to support it. This, in a community which has turned down increased revenue for schools, among other things. One would think the ball complex near Forest High School would be more feasible and could be done at less cost.</p><p>What should be advocated is updating current facilities, wherever they are, without expending funds to develop new facilities.</p><p>It's up to the Star-Banner staff to completely investigate all aspects of this before the tax referendum. Because, realistically, these facilities and their cost develop a life of their own. Better to finance schools and use updated school facilities with a clubhouse. Like that, the field could be universally used.</p><p>If I had to vote today, based upon my experience and observations about other communities, the answer would be no.</p><p>I've found that if you build it, they may not come, and eventually become a drain on local revenues.</p><p><i>Bob Lanschoot</p><p>Ocala</i></p>